JP2004125506A - Information terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information terminal device allowing acquisition of traffic information out of an FM multiplex broadcasting reception area of one's own vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: When the traffic information of a traffic information center 300 by FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received, the traffic information is received by a cellphone 150 via a mobile communication network 250, and can be displayed on a monitor. When a destination or a passing point is out of the FM multiplex broadcasting reception area of one's own vehicle, an information distribution center 200 is made to execute route search calculation, and route guidance information is received by the cellphone 150 and is displayed on the display monitor 119. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information terminal device mounted on a vehicle.
[0002]
[Prior Art and Problems of the Invention]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an in-vehicle information terminal device that obtains traffic information near a vehicle position by using FM multiplex broadcast radio waves, optical beacons, and radio wave beacons. This in-vehicle information terminal device includes an FM multiplex broadcast receiver, an optical beacon receiver, and a radio beacon receiver. FM multiplex broadcasting has a limited reception area. For example, if you try to go to Kyoto city from your home in Chiyoda-ku, you can get traffic information around your home where you started, but you can get traffic information near your destination (Kyoto) or The traffic information on the way cannot be obtained because it is outside the broadcasting area. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the time to leave home in consideration of traffic conditions and the like. Therefore, there is room for improvement in operability and usability in order to eliminate such inconvenience.
[0003]
An object of the present invention is to provide an information terminal device capable of acquiring traffic information or route guidance information by communication under the condition that traffic information by broadcast cannot be acquired.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) In the information terminal device according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is a request to obtain a broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network and to obtain traffic information in an area that cannot be received by the broadcast receiver. An acquisition unit for acquiring traffic information of the area by communication from a base station having a traffic information storage device.
(2) In the information terminal device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the information terminal device according to the first aspect, when there is a traffic information display request, the map display on the monitor displays an area where the broadcast receiver can receive the traffic information. When the vehicle deviates from the above, traffic information of the area is obtained by communication.
(3) The information terminal device according to the third aspect of the present invention provides a broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network, and a destination or stopover at the time of a route search instruction, which is a traffic receiver. An acquisition unit for outputting a route search request from the departure point to the destination to the base station by communication when the vehicle is out of the area where information can be received, and receiving route guidance information transmitted from the base station by communication; Display means for displaying a recommended route based on the obtained route guidance information and performing route guidance.
(4) An information distribution center according to a fourth aspect of the present invention receives a route search command from the information terminal device according to the third aspect, performs a route search operation in consideration of traffic information, and outputs the route guidance information as a result. The information is transmitted to the information terminal device by communication.
(5) An information terminal device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention provides a broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network, and a destination or stopover at the time of a route search command that is a traffic receiver. An acquisition means for acquiring traffic information of the area by communication when the user is out of the area where information can be received, and a route search data, traffic information received by a broadcast receiver, and communication in response to a traffic information acquisition request. Storage means for storing the received traffic information, and route calculation means for performing a route search calculation from the departure point to the destination using the route search data and the traffic information stored in the storage means based on the route search command And characterized in that:
(6) The information terminal device according to the invention of claim 6 is a broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network, and when traffic information is requested, when traffic information by the broadcast receiver is poor reception. Acquiring means for acquiring traffic information by communication from a base station having a traffic information storage device.
(7) The information terminal device according to the invention of claim 7 includes: a broadcast receiver that receives traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network; Acquiring means for acquiring traffic information necessary for route search by communication; storage means for storing route search data, traffic information received by a broadcast receiver, and traffic information received by communication in response to a traffic information acquisition request; And a route calculation means for performing a route search calculation from the departure place to the destination using the route search data and the traffic information stored in the storage means based on the route search command.
(8) In the information terminal device according to the seventh aspect, when the traffic information is poorly received, the condition that the traffic information cannot be received by the broadcast receiver continues for a predetermined time or more. Alternatively, it is characterized by occurrence of a predetermined frequency or more.
(9) The information terminal device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention includes a broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network, and a receiver for receiving traffic information at the time of a route search command. An acquisition unit that outputs a route search request from the departure point to the destination by communication to the base station and receives route guidance information transmitted from the base station by communication, and displays a recommended route based on the received route guidance information And display means for performing route guidance.
(10) In the information terminal device according to the ninth aspect, when the traffic information is poorly received, the condition that the broadcast receiver cannot receive the traffic information for a predetermined time or more than a predetermined frequency It is characterized by the time.
(11) An information distribution center according to claim 11 receives a route search command from the information terminal device according to claim 9 or 10 and performs a route search operation in consideration of traffic information, and transmits the result to an information communication device. The information is transmitted to the terminal device.
(12) An information terminal device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is a base station including a broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network, and a traffic information storage device in response to power-on. And acquiring means for acquiring traffic information on the registered route by communication from the communication device.
(13) In the information terminal device according to the twelfth aspect, in the information terminal device according to the twelfth aspect, the acquisition unit determines whether to acquire the traffic information based on a time from when the power is turned off to when the power is turned on. It is characterized by the following.
(14) An information terminal device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides a broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network, and a route re-search request for a registered route by communication in response to power-on. An acquisition unit that outputs to the base station and receives route guidance information transmitted from the base station by communication, and a display unit that displays a recommended route and performs route guidance based on the received route guidance information. Features.
(15) In the information terminal device according to the present invention, the acquisition means may determine whether or not to output a route re-search request based on a time from when the power is turned off to when the power is turned on. It is characterized in that it is determined.
(16) An information terminal device comprising a receiving means for receiving broadcast data including traffic information, and a communication means for communicating with an information distribution center for delivering information such as traffic information. When the traffic information of the map area displayed by is not obtained for a predetermined time or more, desired traffic information is obtained from the information distribution center by the communication means and output to the user.
(17) The invention according to claim 17 is an information terminal device having a receiving means for receiving broadcast data including traffic information and a communication means for communicating with an information distribution center for distributing information such as traffic information. If there is a request and the traffic information near the destination or stopover point cannot be obtained within a predetermined time by the receiving means, the communication means should obtain the desired traffic information from the information distribution center and search for a route. And requesting a route search from the information distribution center.
(18) An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is an information terminal device having a receiving unit for receiving broadcast data including traffic information, and a communication unit for communicating with an information distribution center for distributing information such as traffic information. In a registered state, if the power is turned on again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned off, the communication means obtains desired traffic information from the information distribution center and performs a route search, or And requesting a route search from the information distribution center.
[0005]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
-1st Embodiment-
A first embodiment in which an information terminal device according to the present invention is applied to a car navigation device (hereinafter, referred to as an in-vehicle device) 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. The receiving device 130 and the mobile phone 150 are connected to the vehicle-mounted device 100. The receiving device 130 includes an optical beacon receiver, a radio wave beacon receiver, and an FM multiplex broadcast receiver. The in-vehicle device 100 acquires traffic information of the whole country from the traffic information center 300 via the following media (1) to (3).
(1) The information near the current position of the vehicle is received by the receiving device 130 via the media center 350 via the optical beacon transmitter or the radio wave beacon transmitter.
(2) The traffic information in the reception area is received by the receiving device 130 via the FM multiplex broadcasting network 360.
(3) The mobile phone 150 receives traffic information of an arbitrary area in the whole country via the mobile communication network 250. Instead of the mobile phone 150, a vehicle-mounted phone or a communication device of a communication LAN may be used.
[0006]
FIG. 2 is a system block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 100. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 111 denotes a current position detecting device for detecting the current position of the vehicle, for example, a direction sensor 111a for detecting the traveling direction of the vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor 111b for detecting the vehicle speed, and a GPS sensor 111c for detecting a GPS signal from a GPS satellite. Etc. Reference numeral 112 denotes a storage device for storing road map data for the whole country, which is composed of a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, HDD, semiconductor memory, and the like. A control circuit 114 controls the entire apparatus, and includes a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits. The control circuit 114 executes a control program stored in the ROM 116 using the RAM 115 as a work area to perform various controls described later.
[0007]
Reference numeral 117 denotes an input device having various switches for inputting a destination of the vehicle and the like. The input device 117 also functions as an input switch when a user requests a route search operation or the like. Reference numeral 118 denotes an image memory for storing image data to be displayed on the display monitor 119. This image data is created from road map drawing data, various graphic data, and the like. The image data stored in the image memory 118 is read out as appropriate and displayed on the display monitor 119. On the display monitor 119, traffic information and a recommended route are displayed together with a road map.
[0008]
The vehicle-mounted device 100 configured as described above performs various navigations based on the vehicle position information acquired by the current position detection device 111 and the road map data and the route search data stored in the storage device 112. For example, a road map near the vehicle position and the vehicle position are displayed on the display monitor 119, and the driver is guided by the route guidance data obtained by the route search process. Further, as described later, arbitrary traffic information nationwide can be received from the information distribution center 200 and displayed on the display monitor 119 in a manner superimposed on a road map. For example, a road map near the position of the vehicle is displayed, and congested roads are displayed in red according to congestion information, congested roads are displayed in yellow, smooth roads that are not congested are displayed in green, etc., and congestion information is provided visually. I do. Of course, similar traffic information can be received and displayed from the traffic information center 300 via the media center 350 via the optical beacon transmitter or the radio wave beacon transmitter, or via the FM multiplex broadcasting network 360.
[0009]
FIG. 3 is a system block diagram showing the configuration of the information distribution center 200. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 201 denotes a request receiving server, which receives a vehicle position information and a map / route distribution request from the vehicle-mounted device 100 and executes the request. Reference numeral 202 denotes a map / POI server, which stores a detailed road map nationwide and POI information (point of interest sightseeing spots and information on various facilities). The request reception server 201 transmits data in response to a request from the request reception server 201. Output to 201. Reference numeral 203 denotes a search / guidance server that performs calculations for route search and guidance in response to a request from the request reception server 201, and outputs a calculation result to the request reception server 201. Reference numeral 204 denotes a traffic information server which stores road traffic information nationwide sent from a traffic information center connected online at regular intervals, and receives various traffic information in response to a request from the request reception server 201. Output to the server 201. 205 is a customer DB server. The map / POI data, route search / guidance calculation results, and various traffic information requested by the in-vehicle device 100 are temporarily stored in the customer DB server 205 for each in-vehicle device 100, and then distributed to the in-vehicle device 100 through the request reception server 201. Is done. The in-vehicle device 100 is provided with an identification ID for identifying the vehicle in advance, and the customer DB server 205 stores various types of information in a storage area assigned to the identification ID.
[0010]
FIG. 4 is a system block diagram showing the configuration of the traffic information center 300. The contents of the road traffic information data provided by the traffic information center 300 include traffic congestion information, traffic regulation information such as accidents and construction, required time information, entrance closing information on city expressways, SA / PA and parking lot positions and full / For example, empty car information. The area provided with the road traffic information data provided by the traffic information center 300 is nationwide except some prefectures. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 301 denotes a receiving server, which receives road traffic information data nationwide. Reference numeral 302 denotes a processing server which executes various processes for transmitting the road traffic information data received by the receiving server 301 to the transmitting server 303. Reference numeral 303 denotes a transmission system server which distributes traffic information to the information distribution center 200 and each customer nationwide, and the transmission system server 303 and the traffic information server 204 of the information distribution center 200 are connected online.
[0011]
As described above, the road traffic information provided by the traffic information center 300 is provided from the media center 350 to the receiving device 130 mounted on the mobile body via the optical beacon and the radio beacon, and is also provided by the FM multiplex broadcasting network 360. Are provided. The traffic information that can be received by the receiving device 130 is of a limited geographical area based on the position of the vehicle. The FM multiplexing method has a limited broadcasting area, and can receive FM multiplex broadcasting of a frequency provided to an area where a traveling vehicle is located. Therefore, vehicles traveling in Tokyo cannot receive FM multiplex broadcasting provided in Kyoto.
[0012]
FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of map display data displayed on the vehicle-mounted device 100. FIG. In the map display data, link string data is classified and stored in mesh area units together with mesh codes. The link string data has a data structure in which one road is defined as nodes such as intersections and links between the nodes. The mesh region refers to each of the divided regions when the road map is divided into predetermined ranges. The mesh code storage area 401 stores a number for identifying a mesh area. As shown in FIG. 5B, the storage area 402 of the link string data stores the position coordinates X, Y of the node, the link number between the nodes, and the position coordinates X, Y of the interpolation point for dividing the link even further. Are stored in the respective areas. These position coordinates are used as shape data for display.
[0013]
The route search data and the route guidance data have the same data structure, but the description is omitted here.
[0014]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of traffic information data transmitted from the traffic information center 300 to the information distribution center 200 and the vehicle-mounted device 100. In the traffic information data transmitted from the traffic information center 300, traffic congestion information and regulation information classified in link units existing in the mesh area are stored together with the mesh code in mesh area units. The mesh code and the link number of the traffic information data transmitted from the traffic information center 300 are used in association with the mesh code and the link number of the display data handled by the vehicle-mounted device 100.
[0015]
According to the above configuration, of the latest road traffic information nationwide provided by the traffic information center 300, any road traffic information requested by the vehicle-mounted device 100 is distributed through the mobile phone 150 and the mobile communication network 250. The data can be transmitted from the center 200 to the vehicle-mounted device 100. The information distribution center 200 can transmit arbitrary road traffic information nationwide.
[0016]
――― Data flow in the information distribution center 200 ―――
FIG. 7 is a sequence chart showing a process in which the information distribution center 200, which has received a traffic information distribution request from the vehicle-mounted device 100, transmits traffic information to the vehicle-mounted device 100. When the traffic information distribution request command 101 is received by the request reception server 201 of the information distribution center 200 from the on-vehicle device 100, the request reception server 201 sends the request reception parameter 103 to the customer DB server 205, and transmits the traffic to the traffic information server 204. An information request command 105 is transmitted. The traffic information server 204 transmits traffic information to the request reception server 201 as indicated by reference numeral 107 based on the request command 105 from the request reception server 201. The request reception server 201 once transmits the traffic information received from the traffic information server 204 to the customer DB server 205 as indicated by reference numeral 109. After temporarily storing the traffic information received from the request reception server 201, the customer DB server 205 transmits the traffic information to the vehicle-mounted device 100 via the request reception server 201 as indicated by reference numerals 111 and 113. The in-vehicle device 100 displays the received traffic information 113 on the display monitor 119 as indicated by reference numeral 115.
[0017]
Note that the flow of the request command and the flow of the calculation result at the time of the route search calculation request are the same. The recommended route and the guidance information, which are the calculation results, are temporarily stored in the customer DB server 205, and are transmitted via communication to the in-vehicle device 100 as the information terminal device via the request receiving server 201.
[0018]
――― Operation of onboard unit 100 ―――
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 100. When the accessory is turned on (ACC ON) by the ignition key, the power of the vehicle-mounted device 100 is turned on, and a program for performing the processing shown in FIG. 8 is started. The program in FIG. 8 is executed by the control circuit 114.
[0019]
In step S11, a map centering on the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the display monitor 119, and the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, it is determined whether a traffic information display request has been made. For example, it can be determined whether or not the user has selected the traffic information display mode from the input device 117. If there is no traffic information display request, step S12 is denied and this processing ends. If it is determined in step S12 that there is a traffic information display request, the process proceeds to step S13. If it is determined in step S13 that the traffic information of the area requested to be displayed has not been received, the process proceeds to step S14. The case where it is determined that the traffic information has not been received will be described later. In step S14, the mobile phone 150 establishes a communication line with the information distribution center 200, calculates a mesh code assigned to an unreceived area, and requests the information distribution center 200 to distribute traffic information of the mesh.
[0020]
When the traffic information distribution request transmitted by the on-vehicle device 100 is received by the information distribution center 200 in step S14, the traffic information requested by the on-vehicle device 100 is transmitted to the And once stored in the customer DB server 205. The stored traffic information is transmitted to the on-vehicle device 100.
[0021]
After requesting the information distribution center 200 for the traffic information distribution in step S14, the process proceeds to step S15, and it is determined whether the traffic information of all the meshes requested to the information distribution center 200 has been received. If it is determined that the traffic information of all the meshes has not been received, the process waits in step S15. If it is determined in step S15 that all traffic information has been received, the process proceeds to step S16 to disconnect the communication. In step S17, the received traffic information is stored in the RAM 115 or the storage device 112. In step 18, the traffic information stored in step S17 is superimposed on the map displayed on the display monitor 119 for display, and the process ends.
[0022]
If it is determined in step S13 that the traffic information of the area requested to be displayed is not yet received, that is, if it is determined that the traffic information of the area requested to be displayed is received, the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the received traffic information is read, and the process proceeds to step S18, where the traffic information is superimposed on the map of the display monitor 119.
[0023]
FIG. 9 shows a display example of traffic information. On the display monitor 119, a vehicle position mark 501 is displayed on a road map near the vehicle position, and traffic information 503 is superimposed on the road 502. A bold line 504 indicates a recommended route.
[0024]
Representative examples when it is determined in step S13 that the traffic information has not been received are the following (1) and (2).
(1) When FM multiplex broadcast radio waves cannot be received by the receiver 113 of the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle is located behind an underground parking lot or a building. In the present invention, it is a condition that communication by a communication device such as a mobile phone is possible even in an environment where FM multiplex broadcast waves cannot be received. For example, in an underground parking lot, an antenna for a mobile phone may be installed.
(2) When the FM multiplex broadcast wave can be received by the receiver 113 of the vehicle, but the area to be obtained is outside the reach area of the FM multiplex broadcast wave at the own vehicle position. For example, when the vehicle is located in Chiyoda-ku, the map is scrolled to display a map of Kyoto city on the display monitor 119.
[0025]
Therefore, the on-vehicle device 100 includes a table of FM multiplex broadcasting stations in various parts of the country and their broadcasting areas, and determines that the traffic information has not been received by the processing procedure shown in FIG.
[0026]
In FIG. 10, when the process proceeds from step S12 to step S131 in FIG. 8, the FM broadcast station corresponding to the area displayed on the monitor as a map is specified. In step S132, the FM broadcast station currently being received is determined. In step S133, if the FM broadcast station specified in step S131 matches the FM broadcast station determined in step S132, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG. If it is determined in step S133 that they do not match, in step S134, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that they did not match. If step S133 is negative, the process returns to step S131. If step S133 is affirmative, that is, if the broadcast wave of the FM broadcast station corresponding to the area displayed on the map has not been received for a predetermined time or more, it is determined in step S135 that the broadcast wave has not been received. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S14 in FIG.
[0027]
As described above, in the information terminal device according to the first embodiment, when the traffic information display is requested by the occupant, it is determined that the traffic information has not been received as described in (1) and (2) above. In such a case, the mobile phone 150 is used to acquire traffic information by communication via the mobile communication network 250. Therefore, the map can be scrolled to display an arbitrary point in the whole country, and even when the point is outside the FM multiplex broadcasting area of the vehicle, the traffic information of the displayed point can be superimposed and displayed on the display monitor.
[0028]
Hereinafter, second to fourth embodiments of the information terminal device according to the present invention will be described. The configurations of FIGS. 1 to 7 are common to these embodiments, and differ from the flowchart of FIG. Therefore, the processing procedure of each embodiment will be specifically described below.
[0029]
-2nd Embodiment-
Referring to FIG. 11, a second embodiment in which the information terminal device according to the present invention is applied to a car navigation device (hereinafter, referred to as an in-vehicle device) 100 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 100. When the power of the vehicle-mounted device 100 is turned on, the program is started, and in step S21, a map centering on the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the display monitor 119. In step S22, it is determined whether a route search request has been issued. For example, it can be determined based on whether or not the user has selected a route search from the input device 117. If there is no route search request, step S22 is denied and this process ends. If it is determined in step S22 that there is a route search request, the process proceeds to step S23. If it is determined in step S23 that the traffic information of the area from the current location to the transit point or the destination has not been received, the process proceeds to step S24.
[0030]
The non-reception determination in step S23 can be processed in the same manner as in step S13. That is, in step S131 of FIG. 10, when the FM broadcast station in the area from the waypoint to the destination is specified, and the specified FM broadcast station does not match the receiving FM broadcast station for a predetermined time or more, In step S135 in FIG. 10, it is determined that the data has not been received, and the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG.
[0031]
In step S24, a communication line is established with the information distribution center 200 by the mobile phone 150. In step S25, a request for searching for a route from the current location to the destination via the transit point and a request for distributing route guidance information as a result of the search are transmitted. It transmits to distribution center 200.
[0032]
In step S25, when the route search request and the route guidance information distribution request transmitted by the vehicle-mounted device 100 are received by the information distribution center 200, the information distribution center 200 sends the departure place, the transit place, The destination, presence / absence of toll road travel, and the like are sent to the search guidance server 203. The search guidance server 203 executes a route search calculation from the departure place to the destination passing through the transit point. The route search calculation is well-known and detailed description is omitted. However, in the case of toll road priority, it is assumed that a toll road is used. Then, a recommended route is searched. The route search result, that is, route guidance information is read from the search guidance server 203 and temporarily stored in the customer DB server 205. The stored route guidance information is transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 100.
[0033]
After transmitting the route search request to the information distribution center 200 in step S25, the process proceeds to step S26, and it is determined whether the route guidance information has been received from the information distribution center 200. If it is determined that all the route guidance information has not been received, the process waits at step S26. If it is determined in step S26 that all the recommended route guidance information has been received, the process proceeds to step S27 to disconnect the communication. In step S28, the received route guidance information is stored in the RAM 115 or the storage device 112. In step 29, the route guidance information stored in step S28 is superimposed on the map displayed on the display monitor 119 and displayed. Then, in step S30, route guidance is started based on the stored route guidance information.
[0034]
If it is determined in step S23 that the traffic information of the area leading to the stopover or destination is not yet received, that is, if it is determined that the traffic information of the area leading to the stopover or destination is received, Proceed to S31. This can be processed in the same manner as the non-reception processing in FIG. That is, the FM broadcast station in the area from the transit point to the destination is specified, and if the specified FM broadcast station matches the FM broadcast station being received, the process proceeds to step S31 in FIG. In step S31, a route search calculation is performed from the departure point to the destination through the waypoint, and the process proceeds to step S29.
[0035]
As described above, the case where it is determined that the traffic information of the area leading to the stopover or the destination is not received is the case where those points are outside the reception area of the FM multiplex broadcast receiver of the own vehicle. Therefore, as described above, the on-vehicle device 100 includes a table of FM multiplex broadcasting stations all over the country and their broadcasting areas.
[0036]
As described above, in the information terminal device according to the second embodiment, when it is determined that traffic information has not been received at the time of a route search request (command), the information distribution center 200 via the mobile communication network 250 is used. Sends a route search request to make a route search, and obtains route guidance information by communication. Therefore, even when the transit point or the destination is in an area that cannot be received by the FM multiplex broadcasting received at the position of the own vehicle, a recommended route considering traffic information is searched for, and guidance information is superimposed and displayed on a display monitor. Can be guided. In this case, the traffic information on the recommended route used for the route search calculation may be displayed at the same time.
[0037]
Note that the second embodiment may be modified as follows.
(1) When no traffic information has been received in step S23, traffic information of all areas between the departure point and the destination may be obtained from the information distribution center 200, and the route search calculation may be performed by the vehicle-mounted device 100. .
(2) When the own vehicle is located in an underground parking lot or the like and cannot receive FM multiplex broadcasting, traffic information of all areas between the departure place and the destination is obtained from the information distribution center 200, and the obtained traffic information is obtained. In addition, the on-board unit 100 may perform the route search calculation. In this case, the in-vehicle device 100 includes a storage device that stores the route search data, the traffic information received by the broadcast receiver, and the traffic information obtained by communication, and is stored in the storage device based on the route search request. Using the route search data and the traffic information, the route search calculation from the departure place to the destination is performed.
(3) At the time of the route search command, if the FM multiplex broadcast is poorly received at the own vehicle position, a route search request is transmitted to the information distribution center 200 via the mobile phone 150 and the mobile communication network 250, and the search is performed. The route guidance information may be received to perform the route guidance. In this case, the reception failure means not only that the FM multiplex broadcast cannot be received at the time of the search command, but also that the FM multiplex broadcast cannot be received a plurality of times immediately before the search command or that the frequency of the reception failure increases. Means
[0038]
In the cases (1) and (2), when the departure place and the destination are far apart, the area for acquiring traffic information covers a wide area, and it takes time to exchange data by communication. Therefore, it is preferable to cause the information distribution center 200 to calculate the route search and to transmit only the route guidance information, which is the calculation result, to the vehicle-mounted device 100 as in (3).
[0039]
-Third embodiment-
Referring to FIG. 12, a third embodiment in which the information terminal device according to the present invention is applied to a car navigation device (hereinafter, referred to as an in-vehicle device) 100 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 100. When the power of the vehicle-mounted device 100 is turned on, the program is started, and in step S31, a map centering on the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the display monitor 119. In step S32, it is determined whether a route has been registered. If the route has not been registered, step S32 is denied and the process ends.
[0040]
If it is determined in step S32 that a route has been registered, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, it is determined whether the time from the previous power-off to the current power-on has passed for a predetermined time or more. Although not shown, the control circuit 114 is provided with a timer for measuring the time from turning off the power to turning on the power.
[0041]
If step S33 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, a communication line is established with the information distribution center 200 by the mobile phone 150. In step S35, a request for distribution of traffic information on the registered route, that is, on the route from the waypoint to the destination, is transmitted to the information distribution center 200. I do.
[0042]
When the traffic information distribution request transmitted by the in-vehicle device 100 is received by the information distribution center 200 in step S35, the traffic information requested by the in-vehicle device 100 is transmitted to the traffic information server 204 in mesh units in the information distribution center 200 as described above. And once stored in the customer DB server 205. The stored traffic information is transmitted to the on-vehicle device 100.
[0043]
After transmitting the traffic information distribution request on the registered route to the information distribution center 200 in step S35, the process proceeds to step S36, and it is determined whether the traffic information on the route has been received from the information distribution center 200. If it is determined that all traffic information has not been received, the process waits in step S36. If it is determined in step S36 that all traffic information has been received, the process proceeds to step S37 to disconnect the communication. In step S38, the received traffic information is stored in the RAM 115 or the storage device 112. In step 39, the traffic information stored in step S38 is superimposed on the map displayed on the display monitor 119 and displayed.
[0044]
If it is determined in step S33 that the time from the previous power-off to the current power-on has not exceeded a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S40. In step S40, the traffic information stored immediately before the power is turned off is read, and the process proceeds to step S39.
[0045]
As described above, in the information terminal device according to the third embodiment, when the route is registered, when the time from when the power of the vehicle-mounted device 100 is turned off to when it is turned on is long, recording is performed when the power is turned off. Since the reliability of the traffic information has been lowered, the latest traffic information is obtained from the information distribution center 200 via the mobile communication network 250. Therefore, it is possible to acquire the latest traffic information and display the congestion information and the like of the registered route on the display monitor 119.
[0046]
Regardless of whether a route is registered or not, the latest traffic information may be obtained by communication from the information distribution center 200 via the mobile communication network 250 whenever the vehicle-mounted device 100 is powered on.
[0047]
The registration of the route can be performed as follows. In the navigation device, when a destination is input and a route search is performed, a recommended route is calculated. This recommended route can be registered as it is, or a recommended route calculated by adding a waypoint can be edited and registered.
[0048]
-Fourth embodiment-
Referring to FIG. 13, a fourth embodiment in which the information terminal device according to the present invention is applied to a car navigation device (hereinafter, referred to as an in-vehicle device) 100 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 100. When the power of the vehicle-mounted device 100 is turned on, the program is started. Steps S41 to S44 are the same as in FIG. 12, and a description thereof will be omitted. In step S45, a request for re-searching the route from the current location to the destination via the waypoint is transmitted to the information distribution center 200, and then the process proceeds to step S46, where the route guidance information as a result of the re-search operation is transmitted from the information distribution center 200. Is determined. If it is determined that all the route guidance information has not been received, the process waits in step S46. The process proceeds to step S47 where it is determined that all the route guidance information has been received. The processing from step S47 to step S50 is the same as the processing from step S27 to step S30 in FIG. In step S50, route guidance is started based on the route guidance information that is the re-search result.
[0049]
If it is determined in step S43 that the time from the previous power-off to the current power-on has not elapsed for a predetermined time or more, the process proceeds to step S51. In step S51, when the power is turned off, the route guidance information stored in the storage device 112 or the like is read, and the process proceeds to step S49.
[0050]
As described above, in the information terminal device according to the fourth embodiment, when a route is registered, and when the time from when the power of the vehicle-mounted device 100 is turned off to when it is turned on is long, recording is performed when the power is turned off. Since the reliability of the traffic information used for the recommended route calculation has been reduced, the information distribution center 200 is instructed to perform a re-search calculation via the mobile communication network, and based on the latest traffic information. To get recommended route guidance information. Therefore, route guidance based on the latest traffic information can be performed immediately after the power is turned on.
[0051]
Since traffic congestion information and traffic regulation information are taken into account when searching for a route, the traffic information becomes older with time. Therefore, as described above, it is desirable to re-search for a route using the latest traffic information when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on, the information distribution center 200 may always be requested to perform a re-route operation on the registered route, and may acquire the re-route operation result to update the registered route. When the power is turned on after a break during route guidance, the recalculation result may be displayed on the monitor and route guidance may be resumed. When there are a plurality of registered routes, all routes may be recalculated and updated.
[0052]
When the registered route is read and the route guidance is started, the route search may be performed again. Also in this case, as described above, when the transit point or the destination is outside the FM multiplex broadcast reception area of the own vehicle position, traffic information is obtained by communication via the mobile communication network 250, and the on-vehicle device 100 searches. The calculation may be performed, or the information distribution center 200 may be in charge of the search calculation.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, traffic information and route guidance information can be obtained by communication under various conditions under which traffic information by broadcast is not received. As a result, it is possible to provide an information terminal device with good operability and ease of use.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an information terminal device, an information distribution center, and a traffic information center according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of an information terminal device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a system block diagram of an information distribution center for transmitting information to an information terminal device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a system block diagram of a traffic information center for transmitting information to an information terminal device according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of map display data displayed on the information terminal device according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data configuration of traffic information transmitted from the traffic information center to the information distribution center in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a sequence chart showing a process in which an information distribution center that has received a traffic information distribution request from an information terminal device according to the present invention transmits traffic information to the information terminal device.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart according to the first embodiment in the operation of the information terminal device according to the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display monitor of the information terminal device according to the present invention, in which a road map, a recommended route, and traffic information are displayed.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining that FM broadcast radio waves have not been received;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart according to a second embodiment in the operation of the information terminal device according to the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart according to a third embodiment of the operation of the information terminal device according to the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart according to a fourth embodiment in the operation of the information terminal device according to the present invention;
[Explanation of symbols]
100 On-board unit 112 Memory card
114 Control circuit 115 RAM
116 ROM 130 Receiver
150 Cellular phone 200 Information distribution center
250 Mobile communication network 300 Traffic information center
350 Media center 360 FM multiplex broadcasting network

Claims (18)

A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network,
When there is a request to obtain traffic information of an area that cannot be received by the broadcast receiver, an acquisition unit that obtains, by communication, traffic information of the area from a base station including a storage device of the traffic information, Information terminal device. The information terminal device according to claim 1,
The acquisition means, when there is a traffic information display request, when the map display on the monitor deviates from the area where the traffic information can be received by the broadcast receiver, acquires the traffic information of the area by communication. Information terminal device. A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network,
When the destination or waypoint at the time of the route search command is out of the area where traffic information can be received by the broadcast receiver, a route search request from the departure place to the destination is output to the base station by communication, and Acquisition means for receiving the route guidance information transmitted from the station by communication,
Display means for displaying a recommended route and performing route guidance based on the received route guidance information. A route search operation in consideration of traffic information, receiving the route search command from the information terminal device according to claim 3, and transmitting the resulting route guidance information to the information terminal device by communication. Information distribution center. A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network,
When a destination or a waypoint at the time of a route search command is out of an area where traffic information can be received by the broadcast receiver, an acquisition unit that acquires traffic information of the area by communication,
Route search data, traffic information received by the broadcast receiver, and storage means for storing traffic information received by communication in response to the traffic information acquisition request,
Route calculation means for performing a route search calculation from a departure place to a destination using the route search data and traffic information stored in the storage means based on the route search command. Terminal device. A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network,
An information terminal device comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire traffic information by communication from a base station including a storage device for the traffic information when a request for traffic information is received by the broadcast receiver when the traffic information is poor. . A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network,
When traffic information by the broadcast receiver is poor reception at the time of a route search command, acquisition means for acquiring traffic information necessary for route search by the communication,
Route search data, traffic information received by the broadcast receiver, and storage means for storing traffic information received by communication in response to the traffic information acquisition request,
Route calculation means for performing a route search calculation from a departure place to a destination using the route search data and traffic information stored in the storage means based on the route search command. Terminal device. The information terminal device according to claim 7,
When the traffic information is poorly received, the information that the broadcast receiver cannot receive the traffic information has continued for a predetermined time or more, or has occurred at a predetermined frequency or more. Terminal device. A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network,
When the traffic information by the broadcast receiver is poorly received at the time of the route search command, a route search request from the departure point to the destination is output to the base station by communication, and the route guidance information transmitted from the base station is received by communication. Acquisition means for
Display means for displaying a recommended route and performing route guidance based on the received route guidance information. The information terminal device according to claim 9,
When the traffic information is poorly received, the information that the broadcast receiver cannot receive the traffic information has continued for a predetermined time or more, or has occurred at a predetermined frequency or more. Terminal device. 11. An information distribution method comprising: receiving the route search command from the information terminal device according to claim 9 or 10; performing a route search operation in consideration of traffic information; and transmitting the result to the information terminal device by communication. Center. A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network,
An information terminal device, comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire traffic information on a registered route by communication from a base station including the traffic information storage device in response to power-on. The information terminal device according to claim 12,
The information terminal device, wherein the acquisition unit determines whether to acquire the traffic information based on a time from when power is turned off to when it is turned on. A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio network,
Acquisition means for outputting a route re-search request for a registered route to a base station by communication in response to power-on, and receiving route guidance information transmitted from the base station by communication,
Display means for displaying a recommended route and performing route guidance based on the received route guidance information. The information terminal device according to claim 14,
The information terminal device, wherein the acquisition unit determines whether or not to output the route re-search request based on a time from when power is turned off to when it is turned on. An information terminal device having a receiving unit that receives broadcast data including traffic information and a communication unit with an information distribution center that distributes information such as traffic information,
When traffic information of the map area displayed by the receiving means cannot be obtained for a predetermined time or more, desired communication information is obtained from the information distribution center by the communication means and output to a user. Information terminal device. An information terminal device having a receiving unit that receives broadcast data including traffic information and a communication unit with an information distribution center that distributes information such as traffic information,
If there is a route search request, if the receiving means cannot obtain traffic information near a destination or a transit point within a predetermined time, the communication means obtains desired traffic information from the information distribution center. An information terminal device performing a route search or requesting the information distribution center to perform a route search. An information terminal device having a receiving unit that receives broadcast data including traffic information and a communication unit with an information distribution center that distributes information such as traffic information,
When a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned off and the power was turned on again while the route was registered, desired communication information was obtained from the information distribution center by the communication means to search for a route. An information terminal device for performing a route search or requesting a route search to the information distribution center.

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